TV ratings in the UK will soon include internet TV viewers as part of the figures. The official UK ratings body, BARB (Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board) will include catch-up TV and streaming viewers from August.

The move means that for the first time, viewers of catch-up services such as ITV Player, BBC iPlayer, 4oD and Demand 5 will be included in the ‘TV Player’ report as part of the official TV ratings.

Barb have already tested collating online viewers when they installed web TV meters in 400 homes last summer, and after successful testing the service is set to roll out on mobile devices as well later this year.

Speaking about the move for BARB, CEO Justin Sampson said the move was, “pivotal as BARB will track audiences using metadata tags for the first time. Our initial focus is on reporting the extent to which IP content is being downloaded or streamed. This is a significant step forward in our ambition to deliver cross-platform measurement of content.”

Barb plan to use data from catch-up shows that are viewed between 8-28 days after airing.